Protech Machinery P230S Post Driver Product manual

0
Protech Machinery
P230S Post Driver
Operator and Parts Manual
Protech Machinery Ltd,
Woolridge Farm,
Gloucester Road,
Hartpury,
Gloucestershire.
GL19 3BG Telephone: [phone]

1
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Conforming to EEC Directive 98/37/EC
We Protech Machinery Ltd
Of Woolridge Farm,
Gloucester Road,
Hartpury,
Gloucestershire.
GL19 3BG
Hereby declare that the product: POSTDRIVER
Product Code P230S
Serial Number series
Manufactured by the above Company complies with the required provisions of
the Directive 98/37/EC
To effect the correct application of the safety requirements stated in the EEC
Directives, the following standards and/or technical specification have been
used:
 THE SUPPLY OF MACHINERY (SAFETY) REGULATIONS 2008.
 S.I. No.299 of 2007. Safety, Health and Welfare at work.
 Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 (UK).
 EN 1SO 14121-1: 2007 `Safety of machinery. Principles for risk
assessment`.
 EN ISO 13857 – Safety of machinery: Safety distances to prevent
hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs.
Signed……………………………………………………………………………..
On behalf of Protech Machinery
Status……………………………………………………………………………….
Date…………………………………………………………………………………

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Contents
Page number
Introduction 3
P230S Product Specification 4
P230S Part Reference 5
Safety Recommendations 6
Machine Safety Stickers 10
Control Functions of the Post Driver 11
Slew Arm Control 11
Telescopic Arm Control 12
Hydraulic Rear Leg Control 12
Mast Forward Tilt Control 13
Mast Side Tilt Control 13
Driver Weight Control 14
Rock Spike Control 15
Left/Right Leg Control 15
Installation Of the post Driver 16
Transportation of the Post Driver 19
Safe use of the Post Driver 19
Safe use of the Rock Spike 21
Storage of the Post Driver 22
Maintenance of the Post Driver 23

3
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This manual must be read and fully understood before fitting or
operating this machine. Whenever any doubt exists please contact
Protech Machinery for assistance. If the machine is resold the Manual
must be given to the new owner.
Introduction
Dear customer,
Thank you for purchasing a Protech P230S Contractor Post Driver. Protech
machinery Ltd has produced this User Guide to assist and help you get the
most from your post driver.
This manual is line with the relevant Health and Safety regulations to assist
you with operating this machine without harm to yourself.
You should be aware that any person operating this machine with your
permission must be given adequate guidance and information to allow him or
her to use the machine safely.
Where as every effort has been made to ensure the Post Driver conforms to
Protech policy of quality, the machine cannot be expected to withstand abuse
caused by misuse and negligence by the operator.
Please advise Protech if this manual is required in foreign language.

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P230S Product Specification
All dimensions are in millimetres.
Weight
(including rock spike)
1150
kg
Driver weight
30
0
kg
Tractor Horsepo
wer
(minimum)
9
0 hp
Auxiliary oil flow (minimum)
5
0L/MIN
Auxiliary oil pressure (minimum)
1
7
0 bar
Please note: the total machine weight will vary depending on driver weight
option.

5
P230S Part References
The diagram below displays all the P230S parts referred to in this manual.

6
SAFETY INFORMATION
This machine has the potential to be extremely dangerous, in the wrong
hands it can kill. It is therefore imperative that the owner and the operator of
this machine read the following section to ensure that they are both fully
aware of the dangers that do, or may exist, and their responsibilities
surrounding its use.
The operator of this machine is responsible not only for their safety but
equally for the safety of others who may come into close proximity of the
machine, as the owner you are responsible for both
Daily PUWER checklist to be completed by Competent Person.
All defects to be reported.
Any defects found must be rectified before using the machine.
Before working on site, risk assessment to be done by the operator
(competent person) and signed and dated.
Extra care to be taken in urban areas and ground with dense vegetation
POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF
THIS MACHINE:
Injuring of feet. No person must be in this area when the Post Driver is raised
or lowered by the tractor or near to the rear leg and foot plate when operating
this control.
Crushing under the falling weight. No person must be near the post when the
weight is falling. Never put a hand on top of the post or rock spike under any
circumstances.
A trapping zone from the forward and side tilting mast, no person must be in
this area.
A trapping zone between the Slew arm and Main frame, no person must be in
this area.
Becoming trapped between tractor and machine when hitching or unhitching.
Machine overbalancing when freestanding (out of use).
Electrocution from Overhead Power Lines (by contact with or ‘flashover from).
Being hit by flying debris such as splinters from wooden posts.
Injection of high pressure oil from damaged couplings or hydraulic hoses.
Beware of low bridges and other overhead obstructions, always measure and
be aware of the maximum height when hitched to the tractor before
transporting.

7
BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE YOU MUST:
Ensure you read and fully understand all sections of the operator handbook,
Ensure the operator is fully competent to use this machine.
Ensure the operator has been issued with, reads and fully understands the
operator handbook.
The post cap plate must be used to hold posts at all times. Under no
circumstances should the post be held manually while operating the Post
Driver.
Only the operator must control the Post Driver, all other operatives and
spectators must be kept away from the machine at all times.
Ensure that the tractor meets the minimum weight recommendations of the
machine manufacturer.
Ensure that the tractor is in correct working condition, with correct fluid levels.
Ensure that all safety guards are fitted and in good condition.
Ensure that machine fittings and couplings are in good condition.
Ensure that all warning labels are always visible and not damaged, defaced or
missing
Ensure working area is free from debris/obstacles that may cause tripping
hazard.
Ensure the operator is protected from noise. Ear defenders should be worn.
Ensure the operator is protected from flying debris. Safety glasses should be
worn.
Always ensure no person is operating or on the tractor while the operator is
near to or using the machine.
Always ensure when you remove your machine from the tractor that it is left in
a safe and stable position using the stands, and lock plates are in place and
secured.
Always check for worn hydraulic components.
Always ensure the rope is not damaged. Replacements must be a certified
Protech rope.
When working difficult ground conditions/gradients, an additional risk
assessment must be made and introduce the control measures to make safe
to carry out operations.

8
During maintenance or adjustments:
 Ensure that the weight is fully down, with the rope relaxed.
 Ensure that the hydraulic pressure is released.
 Ensure that the Tractor engine is switched off.
During Transport ensure:
 That the weight is fully down
 That the Post Driver is carried low to the ground and with the mast
crowded back for stability and maximum clearance from overhead
obstructions.
 Always drive at a safe speed and in complete control of the vehicle.
 Ensure that the hydraulic `Lock Plates ` are fitted for Mast forward tilt
and Mast side tilt
 Ensure the Slew arm locking pin is fitted.
WHEN NOT TO USE THIS MACHINE:
Never attempt to use this machine if you are not familiar or competent with the
machine.
Never use a machine until you have read and fully understood the operator
handbook, are familiar with and practiced the controls, and `on site` specific
risk assessment has been completed and understood by all persons.
Never use a machine that is poorly maintained
Never use a machine on which the hydraulic system shows signs of wear or
damage.
Never fit, or use a machine on a tractor that does not meet the manufacturers
minimum specification level.
Never start or continue to work a machine if people are nearby or approaching
– stop and wait until they are at a safe distance before continuing.

9
Never use a machine to perform a task it has not been designed to do.
Never operate the tractor from any other position other than from the driving
seat, especially whilst hitching or unhitching the machine.
Never carry out maintenance of a machine or a tractor whilst the engine is
running – the engine should be switched off, the key removed and pocketed.
Never leave a machine unattended in a raised position – it should be lowered
to the ground on a level firm site.
Never leave a tractor with the key in or the engine running.
Never attempt to detect a hydraulic leak with your hand – use a piece of
cardboard.
Never allow children near to, or play on, a tractor or machine under any
circumstances.
Never move the position of the control panel.
Notes

10
Machine Safety Stickers
Standard Triangle to indicate
Alert/Warning
Warning read Product Manual
Warning danger area from tilting mast
Warning danger of feet being
crushed.
Warning eye protection must be warn
Warning ear protection must be warn
Warning Danger of falling weight
Warning Danger of overhead cables
Lubrication Point
Lifting point
Warning danger of fingers and hands
being crushed
Loose clothing

11
Control Functions of the Post Driver
The photo below displays the layout of the control panel. Moving the control
lever up or down operates the function in the direction displayed of the Post
Driver.
The Post driver controls are positioned to keep the operator at a safe distance
and provide good visibility of the work area. The operator must stay within a
safe working zone (defined later in this manual) around the control panel while
operating the post driver controls.
Slew Arm Control
Operating the slew control lever pivots the slew arm from parallel to the main
frame (transport position) through 120 degrees.
As the control is mounted to the slew arm, it will move with operation of the
slew control. The operator must work in the control area of the post driver to
avoid all trapping zones.
Slew arm
TRAPPING ZONE

12
Telescopic Arm Control
Operating the Telescopic control lever extends and retracts the inner slew
arm through 800mm.
As the control is mounted to the inner slew arm, it will move with operation of
the telescopic control. The operator must work in the control area of the post
driver to avoid all trapping zones.
Hydraulic Rear Leg Control
Operating the Rear Leg control lever extends and retracts the leg and foot
plate which is powered down once the mast in position to stabilise the
machine during the post driving operation.
Feet must be kept clear from this crushing zone during operation of this
control.
TRAPPING ZONE
TRAPPING ZONE

13
Mast Forward Tilt Control
Operating the Mast Forward Tilt control lever pitches the mast forward and
back (23 degrees forward and back from mast vertical position). This
maintains a vertical mast while on undulating ground.
Mast Side Tilt Control
Operating the Mast Side Tilt control lever pitches the mast side to side (35
degrees each side from mast vertical position). This maintains a vertical mast
while on undulating ground.
Everyone must be kept clear from this trapping zone during operation of this
control.
TRAPPING ZONE
TRAPPING ZONE

14
Driver Weight Control
Operating the Driver Weight control powers the lever arm forward and back
which raises and lowers the weight. Everyone must be kept clear from this
crushing zone during operation of this control.
Mast side Tilt
CRUSHING ZONE

15
Rock Spike Control
The rock spike control valve is used to maintain sufficient clearance of the
support collar from the head of the rock spike.
Left and right leg controls
The left leg up/down controls the left leg when viewed from the rear of the
tractor.
The right leg up/down controls the right leg when viewed from the rear of the
tractor.
CRUSHING ZONE TRAPPING POINT
CRUSHING ZONE

16
Manual operation (option)
Remove lock pin and lower leg to desired height. Re-insert lock pin when
desired level is reached.
Installation of the Post Driver.
Preferred method of lifting the post driver:-

17
1. The Post driver is delivered with Slew arm perpendicular to the main frame
and with the Slew lock pin fitted to lock the arm. Ensure the machine is
manoeuvred in this position before hitching or unhitching from the tractor.
2. With the machine positioned on a firm level site and securely supported,
manoeuvre the tractor squarely up to the machine with the tractors link arms
set to a height level with the machines lower link brackets.
3. Connect the tractors link arms to the machine lower link brackets and retain
in position with the linkage and lynch pins supplied.
4. Connect the tractor top link (not supplied) to the machine and secure with
the linkage and lynch pin supplied. The tractor top link must be category 2 on
the machine end or conversion bush used if category 3.
Fitted to machine:-

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5. Adjust the Tractor link arm stabilisers to centralise the Post Driver and
reduce excessive lateral sway
6. You must familiarise yourself and understand the controls and their
functions; therefore after studying the previous section practise moving the
levers before connecting any hydraulic hoses the tractor. The diagram shows
the safe working zone the operator must work in while operating the post
driver controls. All dimensions are in millimetres.
7. Connect the pressure and return hoses to and from the control valve to the
tractor hydraulic service.
8. Before removing the safety lock plates very carefully move each control
lever forward and back a small distance until each cylinder is able to extend
and retract slightly. Care must be taken as to not damage or strain any
fabrication with the safety lock plates in position. This procedure will prime all
cylinders with oil and remove any air trapped in the hydraulic circuit.
Removing the safety lock plates before doing so could cause the mast to fall if
the cylinders are not charged with oil.
9. Remove the safety lock plates and slew lock pin.
10. Fully operate all controls. Always raise the hydraulic rear leg and foot
plate off the ground before using the slew or telescopic control. Care must be
taken with the weight control, with the weight lifted up the mast operate the
control very carefully to slowly lower the weight. A falling weight down to the
bottom of the mast will cause damage.
11 The Post Driver is now ready for use.

19
Transporting the Post Driver.
To put the Post driver into transport position, operate the slew control to
position the slew arm parallel with the main frame (slew cylinder closed). If the
rock spike option is fitted ensure the diverter lever is pulled towards to operate
the slew function.
Fit the slew lock pin and mast forward tilt and mast side tilt safety lock plates.
Always ensure the telescopic is fully retracted and the mast tilt ram is fully
closed.
Always transport the post driver with the weight fully lower and with the front
legs fully raised so the machine is carried as low as possible on the tractor
linkage without causing obstruction
Always ensure the rock spike (if fitted) is retained with the rock spike lock pin
in the rock spike carrier.
Safe use of the Post Driver.
NEVER PUT HANDS ON TOP OF THE POST
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
1. Manually start a post in the desired location so it becomes self supported.
Under no circumstances should the post be held manually while operating the
Post Driver. The Post driver controls are positioned to keep the operator at a
safe distance and provide good visibility of the work area. Under no
circumstances should the control panel position be moved, and the operator
must stay within a safe working zone
2. With the tractor and machine near to the work area remove to slew lock pin
and safety lock plates.
Store the lock plates as shown below:-